G. Defourny Imperal Premier

[Tom]

G. Defourny side by side 12ga shotgun. This beautiful shotgun came to me with a very old hang tag that stated “1937 Imperial Premier” It has 2.5” chambers set in excellent 28,3/8-inch bores with a “Full/Full” constriction in both barrels. The barrels ring true.
The shotgun exhibits very high blue and case color blued finish and shows some field wear on the wood especially on the forend checkering. It comes with automatic ejectors, manual safety, and a forward set trigger. The case colored receiver displays full coverage, intricate hand engraving. The straight stock has a 14.75” length of pull. Overall weight, unloaded, is approximately 7lbs, 4oz.

[David Noble]

Are you sure the front trigger is a set Trigger? It looks like an articulated trigger that makes it not be as brutal to your trigger finger when shooting from the rear trigger.

If you push the front trigger forwards does it stay forward and then gives a lighter pull than normal, or does it just return to the original position. If it returns then it is an articulated trigger.
Very nice gun by the way!

[Tom]

It is quite possible that you are correct. Finding information about this shotgun has been challenging. The trigger can be easily manipulated forward and back and does not "feel" as though it lightens the pull.
I am completely open to feedback on the history of this design if there is more information out there for me to learn.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Tom

[Kevin Moore]

What a beauty. Love that butt. Country of origin?

[Tom]

Belgium

[Wilmurt]

A few years ago, I bought a 1943 Antoine Joseph Defourny 12 gauge at an online auction. It turned out to be a close match to my 12-gauge Purdey in almost every dimension, look, and feel — the rose and scroll engraving was nearly identical, as was the forend and stock checkering, along with most other details of the gun. I later learned that Purdey had licensed some over/under technology from A.J. Defourny, which made me think the licensing arrangement likely went both ways. It's remarkable to consider that this gun was made right in the middle of WWII, while Belgium was under German occupation.